Developing a Model of Educational Leadership A Critique of Islamic and Western Perspectives

Abstract

Leadership plays a central role in an organization in terms of family, tribe and society at large scale. The practice of leadership has made the continuation and survival of human being possible on this planet. The presence of leadership is essential in all sectors of life. In the present age, education is the most important element in nations’ development. The effective role of leadership in education sector is the central theme for researchers as can be seen in recent studies. However, limited researches have been found on studies of educational leadership in Islamic perspective. This study was conducted to develop a model for educational leadership of universities and Madᾱris from the perspective of Western and Islamic concept of leadership in education. The objectives were to investigate the perception and comparison of leadership in Madᾱris and universities as both institutions are representing two different worldviews. The teaching faculty was selected for population of this study. The design for this study was concurrent triangulation. The data were collected through questionnaire and interview protocols. The results suggest that institutional vision, organizational goals, centralized approach, development, accountability, professional training, and spiritual approach to seek the pleasure of God variables were found for effective Educational Leadership. However, a model of Educational Leadership is developed which can be used for the improvement of leadership role in Madᾱris and Universities.